Alabama delegation to U.S. House votes for compromise federal budget

WASHINGTON -- All seven Alabama members of the U.S. House today voted for the compromise federal budget that will keep the government running for the rest of the year.

The deal passed 260-167, and includes more than $38 billion in spending cuts. It is expected to pass the Senate today, and ends a protracted debate over federal spending that nearly forced a government shutdown.

Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, was among several House members to cast their vote after the roll call showed it had enough votes to pass.

Afterward on the Capitol steps, Sewell said she voted for the deal despite disliking many of the cuts it includes.

"At the end of the day it was important to compromise," Sewell said. "I was happy they came to a compromise."

She was one of 81 Democrats voting yes.

While Sewell opposed some of the cuts, Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Huntsville, had been concerned the cuts didn't go far enough. In the end, he voted yes, as did fellow freshman Rep. Martha Roby, R-Montgomery, and 177 other Republicans.

Brooks said after the vote that the 2011 spending plan is good for Marshal Space Flight Center, and he wanted to avoid a government shutdown.